PRELUDE III

Released on 6/30/2021, hinting toward a new album on the horizon, Prelude III contained only the programmed backing tracks for the entire Cardinal Winds album, stripped of all guitars and drums. The artwork and titles gave allusions to the theme and tracklist of the forthcoming album. Cassette release limited to an edition of 33.

CARDINAL WINDS

The tenth RANGES studio album ‘Cardinal Winds’ was recorded during 2020-21 and released 08/27/2021, unannounced aside from a handful of singles put out beforehand. Released in Europe via dunk!records and in the USA via A Thousand Arms, the initial pressing was comprised of four vinyl variants with a second pressing comprised of an additional four. [More info on vinyl, deluxe packaging and merchandise below.] All albums included a hand-printed vellum insert with the tracklist and album credits.

The theme of this album follows directly from where Babel: Confusion of Tongues leaves off in that the ocean/water theme is indicative of a momentous deluge or purging of the old world triggered by the catalyst of peak decadence and degeneration. A Great Reset. A new beginning, albeit uncertain. With all previous markers for navigation wholly swept away, how does one regain their bearing?

The cardinal directions (N, E, W, S) can be derived for use in physical navigation (especially by sea) and the cover art has been arranged as a compass rose alluding to these directions, splitting the waters into four quadrants', or the “four corners of the world”. The sequence of the directions was chosen intentionally, as this hints toward our modern source of navigation, for better or worse.

The cardinal virtues (Prudence, Fortitude, Justice, Temperance) can be derived for use in moral/spiritual navigation and the inside artwork has exemplified these virtues as the classical goddesses, replete with their characteristic symbolism. It is thought that by emulating these virtues, one might lead a more upright and dignified life than if one were to remain ignorant.

The titular track ‘Cardinal Winds’ is placed at the center of the album to denote the great Hinge, or the central point around which all revolves. This center is of such utmost importance that if not for its existence, all else would continue spiraling about in chaos, without anchor.

THE INTERCARDINALS

The Intercardinal Series took the form of four separate releases following the Cardinal Winds album, unveiled at three-month intervals. The naming system utilized the directions between the cardinal directions on the compass rose (NE, SE, NW, SW) to define them as being supplementary material, that “filled-in” the totality of the concept. This was an opportunity to expand on the diluvian theme of the album and add further depth to the artwork and symbolism.

Each release featured a collection of original digital music housed within a complex folder hierarchy contained on a 2G flash drive along with additional band-related content such as unreleased demos and photo/video/artwork from the RANGES archive. Hidden on each drive was 1/4 of the 1916 silent film ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’ with an entirely new score using music from each respective release. Deeper in the folder labyrinth could be found hidden links to online countdown timers which opened secret marketplace stores where limited-edition merchandise could be redeemed, as well as the obligatory links to arcane esoterica.

Accompanying each flash-drive was a prayer candle adorned with one of the goddesses from the gatefold, 1/4 of a large-format poster with original artwork, and a box of matches emblazoned with the RANGES seal and the intercardinal direction for each release. Standard-editions limited to 33.

The deluxe versions were limited to 3 for each intercardinal and featured black and gold variants of all the components. Flash drives included additional tracks and the wax for the candles was replaced with beeswax to parallel the honey issued with the deluxe ‘Cardinal Winds’ album.

All music is now available for listening and download in the sections below. The full film of ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’ with an entirely original soundtrack is available below, as well.

In lieu of the full folder hierarchy for each flash drive, screen-shot samples are provided under each section to give a faint idea of the breadth and depth of information contained on them.

PRUDENCE / Northeast

The virtue of Prudence is that of sagacity, or “seeing ahead”, often associated with wisdom, insight, and knowledge. It is the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason and to judge between virtuous and vicious actions.

Prudence is considered to be the mother of all virtues, as it lights the way and measures the arena for their exercise. The other virtues, lacking the bedrock of prudence, can more easily waver and stray into the realm of vice.

The goddess traditionally holds a book or a scroll, representing the search for knowledge and once attained, the ability to guide our actions deliberately rather than erratically.

The mirror is emblematic not of vanity but of clarity, understanding, and self-knowledge.

The serpent represents wisdom, but also “cunning”. Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents and innocent as doves”.

FORTITUDE / SOUTHEAST

The virtue of Fortitude denotes strength; the noble and steady purpose of the mind and having courage in the face of pain or adversity. Through the refinement of fortitude, one gains the ability to hold true to their principles and to speak their mind and insist on Truth.

The goddess is depicted here holding a mace, an instrument with the potential for a tremendous amount of force if wielded with control and precision.

The broken column is reflective of mental strength and the ability to overcome adversity, to remain upright in the face of obstacles even to the point of physical impairment.

The lion is an ancient symbol of strength and power but also of the danger of the untamed nature.

JUSTICE / NORTHWEST

The virtue of Justice is the embodiment of righteousness and equality and dictates fairness, honesty, morality, and neutrality in the treatment of all humankind.

The goddess holds the sword of action and Truth. The sharpened edge of the blade has the ability to delineate right from wrong, truth from fact; exercising genuine discernment in all matters of the world.

She as adorned with a crown, representing the sublime judgement of the most-high authority, emulation of which is what should constantly be striven for.

Also featured prominently are the scales, a timeless symbol of balance and equanimity.

TEMPERANCE / SOUTHWEST

Temperance speaks to the regulation of behaviors such as moderation, sobriety, discretion, and self-control. Water symbolism plays a prominent role in this virtue, as water is ofter associated with the emotional states.

The goddess has a firm grip on the metaphorical wheel and is steadfastly navigating the ship through uncertain waters, exerting a the masculine dynamic of control over the chaotic feminine component, bringing both into harmony.

The chalice is being used to transfer water from one body to another. By balancing the quantities of this element, one may moderate and temper the passions and emotions such as anger and lust.

The fish also reinforces the aquatic navigation dynamic, as this animal is perfectly at home in the often turbulent waters.